More safety study: Nevada’s Duke Williams

For the draft-obsessed among you who know Kenny Vacarro’s middle name, Jonathan Cyprien’s major and Eric Reid’s fourth-fastest time in the three-cone drill, well, first of all, shame on you.

Secondly – and I hate to be such an enabler here – here’s another safety for you to study: Nevada’s Duke Williams

A three-year starter, Williams met with the 49ers at the combine and had a 30-minute film-study session with a San Francisco scout following Nevada’s pro day on March 14, a source said. The Colts and Panthers also met with Williams after his pro day. Contrary to reports, Williams has not had a private workout with the 49ers and does not have one scheduled, but the team is doing their homework on the projected mid-round prospect.

It’s easy to see why a team would take a mid-round chance on Williams (5-11, 201), who has an intriguing blend of athleticism and physicality. Despite his modest frame, Williams is a punishing hitter and moves like a cornerback (4.48-second 40-yard dash). In high school, he ranked among the top 10 nationally in the triple jump.

The various scouting reports on Williams, however, also note shoddy tackling fundamentals, a tendency to bite on play-action and problems handling bigger receivers in coverage.

With Dashon Goldson in Tampa Bay and Donte Whitner entering the final year of his contract, the 49ers could take multiple safeties with their 14 picks. They will surely use one of their early picks to select a safety who could be a Week 1 starter. A later-round safety could be groomed to potentially assume Whitner’s spot.

By the way, Williams’ first name is Michael and he majored in criminal justice with a minor in education. Your assignment this week: study up on his three-cone drill history.